Harper's Ferry sentinel. [volume] (Harpers Ferry, W. Va.) 1887-1902, 1887-12-31
a PROBLEM SOLVED.
By 8. 8. ADAMS.

BY o. 8. ADAMS.
So you see that interrupted resolu-
ton is simply an unexpected turn Of
affairs .
Percy Blake was musical instructor in
the Hillside Seminary, and he stood up
before class Of ten young ladies to
whom he was unfolding the mysteries
of harmony and composition. He
brushed the chalk from his fingers and
continued; Z
After hearing the dominant seventh
chord, which is the point of unrest, q
feelingsof expectancy is excited in the
unsteady sensitive ear, and there Is an
imperative demand for the tonic chord,
which alone can constitute point of
repose. no other progression leaves a
sense of completeness; and even the
uncultiyated ear can accept nothing else
as finality.
i will illustrate on the piano. Now,
listen here is the dominant, and you
expect next to hear the tonic; but SUBJ
stitute different chord, and the effect
is disappointing. You feel that the ex.
pected termination is delayed, and that
to stop here would be impossible.
This is what constitutes interrupted
resolution. Its employment is fruitful
source of variety in musical compost
TONS. Used with Judgment and art, it
may lead to effects which tantalize or ex-
cite the listener. These effects may be
likened unto threading ones way through
the mazes of q labyrinth, or branching
of from q pleasant country road into d
by-path, or sudden change of purpose
when a certain end is apparently in view,
or the losing. of ones way in a forest.
interrupted resolution may be compared
with the spice of life, importing novelty
to humdrum experience. It's departure
from hackneyed ways, arousing curiosity,
expectation, wonder. The composer
makes you speculate as to what new de-
'yelopments may turn up. He opens new
visions of beauty, and occasionally gives
the impression of letting his thoughts
run wild.
Yet there is method in all that he
does. His path is marked out, and he
knows his course He is like novelist
who works on the sympathy Of his read
ers by raisingup obstacles between the
lovers, though he is sure TO unite them
finally
SIS he2'' This question came in allow
chirp from pair Of pouting lips, from
above which two round eyes looked in
mischievons inquiry at Percy Blake. The
questioner bIushed forthwith, for the
chirphad been a little louder than was
intended. Mr.. Bake heard. ii, and his
glance quickly darted in the direction
from which it had come The whole
class Uttered, and Mr.. Blake himself was
somewhat confused. NBut he recovered
his self possession instantly and replied
Certainly he is, Miss, Boyce; that is
If he understands the tastes Of his Young
lady readers. y
"0hln came from several voices, ia
mock disdain, and there was a small
gust Of breezy laughter.
But Percy Blake tapped on the table
to secure attention, and began to give a
black board lesson, frequently illus
trating it5on the grand piano. He then
gave the girls an exercise to write, and
concluded by putting little part song
on the blackboard and making them
sing it. Then bell rang, and Professor
Blake said:
Well, try and remember the rules Of
the new progression. Don't make con-
secutive fifths, and bring your exercises
written neatly. Come to me if you
stumble on any knotty points. Dis
missed.
He turned to the piano as the girls
filed out of the room, and awaited the
coming of a dull pupil who could notre-
member the thumb letters in the scale
fff n